How to Make and Use Brown Butter for Thanksgiving

Known by pastry chefs as beurre noisette (i.e., hazelnut butter), brown butter has a nutty color and a flavor that only tastes complicated. It’s what makes our Spiced Bundt Cake and Brown Butter Apple Tart so delicious. Here’s how to make it.

The ButterRule #1: Don’t try to do anything else while you brown butter! It can go from perfectly nutty to basically black in an instant, leaving you at least $5 angrier.

The BurnerMelt butter in a saucepan set over medium heat (the edge of the pan should be at least 1″ outside the flame), swirling pan occasionally until foaming subsides.

The BrowningStirring often, watch until solids turn nut-brown and butter smells toasty, 3-5 more minutes. Not sure it’s browned enough? Pull the pan off the burner and check.